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Cain Casey #7
The Devil Incarnate
Listening Length: 12 hours and 35 minutes
For Cain Casey nothing is more important than family, and having hers close—Emma, Hayden, Hannah, and the new baby—is as near as she’ll get to true happiness. But enemies who lurk in the shadows threaten more than just her business, forcing her to question whether the biggest threat comes from having it all.
As Cain continues to search for lingering adversaries like agent-turned-drug dealer Anthony Curtis, the FBI is hot on her tail and will stop at nothing to lock her away. Add the Russian mob into the mix and it might be too much to handle. It will take a transformation into the devil incarnate for Cain to keep those she loves safe and to hold on to her rightful place as the head of the family.
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
Genres
Action & Adventure / Crime & Mystery / Intrigue & Thriller
For Cain Casey nothing is more important than family, and having hers close—Emma, Hayden, Hannah, and the new baby—is as near as she’ll get to true happiness. But enemies who lurk in the shadows threaten more than just her business, forcing her to question whether the biggest threat comes from having it all.
As Cain continues to search for lingering adversaries like agent-turned-drug dealer Anthony Curtis, the FBI is hot on her tail and will stop at nothing to lock her away. Add the Russian mob into the mix and it might be too much to handle. It will take a transformation into the devil incarnate for Cain to keep those she loves safe and to hold on to her rightful place as the head of the family.
Cover Artist: Sheri Halal
Genres
Action & Adventure / Crime & Mystery / Intrigue & Thriller
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 1, 2021
38 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Ali Vali
56 books456 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 10, 2021
This was another good book in the series. I’ve been having rough reading luck lately, with 4 out of the last 5 books being only okay or worse. I’ve felt like I was fighting off another reading slump so I was very happy to get a little “Devil” in my life. I’m a fan of all of Vail’s works but this series holds a special place in my heart. I read book 1, The Devil Inside, over a decade ago and I still love this series. For an author to hold my attention, on the same series, for 12+ years is pretty incredible when you think about it. I can count on one hand how many authors have been able to do that so it’s pretty rare. And to have the series still feel creative, and like it hasn’t jumped the shark, makes it even more impressive.
I want to make very clear that this is a series that needs to be read in order. While you could skip the prequel (book 0) and start at book 1, you can’t skip any other installments without it ruining your reading enjoyment. There are so many characters in this series, and so many threads that wind all around through all the books, that it would be so confusing if you tried to start here. There are so many players involved from mobsters, Feds, and enemies, which means Vail herself must have a huge character bible just to keep track of everything she is writing. It’s one of the things that makes this series so great is how many balls Vali has up in the air all at once and somehow she never lets them drop and be forgotten. Every loose end eventually gets tied up which is super satisfying for a reader that is series invested. In fact, this book itself closed a lot of loose ends -Cain got her hands dirty a lot- and only left a few threads open for another book. It feels like the next book might actually be the end of the series. I’m going to be crushed to see this series end, but I’m happy to know we have at least one more book left to read.
This book is not all mobsters and violence, there is also plenty of romance to go around. Cain and Emma are the main couple, but many other couples have gotten together throughout the whole series. This book didn’t have any new couples falling in love, but if gave us time to see all the old couples we enjoy, and to see how their lives have changed and grown. My one slight complaint is I would have loved some POV in Remi and Dallas’ headspace. They are two of my favorite characters and I really want more of them. We know how much chemistry Cain and Emma have together so it would be nice to turn the heat up for some of the other great couples too.
If you are a fan of this series, then this book is a must. Like I mentioned already, a lot of loose ends were tied up which was satisfying for us readers. If you are new to the series, take a chance on book 1, The Devil Inside, and see what you think. This series is so unlike anything else out there, in the WLW market, so that it’s worth taking a chance on to see if it might be for you. Yes, there are a lot of books, which is daunting, but this series is addictive so if you like it, you will be happy you have so many books left to read.
Am ARC was given to me for a honest review.
I want to make very clear that this is a series that needs to be read in order. While you could skip the prequel (book 0) and start at book 1, you can’t skip any other installments without it ruining your reading enjoyment. There are so many characters in this series, and so many threads that wind all around through all the books, that it would be so confusing if you tried to start here. There are so many players involved from mobsters, Feds, and enemies, which means Vail herself must have a huge character bible just to keep track of everything she is writing. It’s one of the things that makes this series so great is how many balls Vali has up in the air all at once and somehow she never lets them drop and be forgotten. Every loose end eventually gets tied up which is super satisfying for a reader that is series invested. In fact, this book itself closed a lot of loose ends -Cain got her hands dirty a lot- and only left a few threads open for another book. It feels like the next book might actually be the end of the series. I’m going to be crushed to see this series end, but I’m happy to know we have at least one more book left to read.
This book is not all mobsters and violence, there is also plenty of romance to go around. Cain and Emma are the main couple, but many other couples have gotten together throughout the whole series. This book didn’t have any new couples falling in love, but if gave us time to see all the old couples we enjoy, and to see how their lives have changed and grown. My one slight complaint is I would have loved some POV in Remi and Dallas’ headspace. They are two of my favorite characters and I really want more of them. We know how much chemistry Cain and Emma have together so it would be nice to turn the heat up for some of the other great couples too.
If you are a fan of this series, then this book is a must. Like I mentioned already, a lot of loose ends were tied up which was satisfying for us readers. If you are new to the series, take a chance on book 1, The Devil Inside, and see what you think. This series is so unlike anything else out there, in the WLW market, so that it’s worth taking a chance on to see if it might be for you. Yes, there are a lot of books, which is daunting, but this series is addictive so if you like it, you will be happy you have so many books left to read.
Am ARC was given to me for a honest review.
March 9, 2021
I had every intention of reading all of the books in this series and had taken the upcoming release of this book as the opportunity to read the series, even go far as purchasing them all - then life got in the way. I didn’t want to wait to review the book, so this review comes with a disclaimer. I’m reviewing this, the somewhere between the 8th and 10th book of the series depending on how you count, without knowing anything that happened in any of the other books.
Despite the disclaimer I’m happy to say I loved it. It’s a solid 4.5 star book for me and I hope that I’ll be able to up that to a 5 once I’ve had the opportunity to go back and catch up on the past and how the characters got to where they are now.
Being a mobster, Cain isn’t necessarily supposed to be a likeable character, but I enjoyed her redeeming qualities nonetheless. I loved her relationship with Emma and their children, as well as her relationship with her friends and associates. Cain is a character with lots of depth and is extremely well written.
There were certainly some moments that were confusing for me, because the cast of characters is large and dependent on information I clearly didn’t have, however none of that stopped me enjoying how Vali threads together the narrative and the characters and how everything fits together.
Like most series the introduction of so many characters can mean that the characters you love the most don’t appear as much in the later books as you’d like and I found myself wanting more Cain and Emma - so I’m interested as to whether this will still be the same once I’ve read more.
I can only say I would imagine that if you’ve read the rest of this series, you’ll again enjoy this one, but as someone coming fresh to the series, I’d encourage you to give it a go (perhaps with the first book unlike me).
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the disclaimer I’m happy to say I loved it. It’s a solid 4.5 star book for me and I hope that I’ll be able to up that to a 5 once I’ve had the opportunity to go back and catch up on the past and how the characters got to where they are now.
Being a mobster, Cain isn’t necessarily supposed to be a likeable character, but I enjoyed her redeeming qualities nonetheless. I loved her relationship with Emma and their children, as well as her relationship with her friends and associates. Cain is a character with lots of depth and is extremely well written.
There were certainly some moments that were confusing for me, because the cast of characters is large and dependent on information I clearly didn’t have, however none of that stopped me enjoying how Vali threads together the narrative and the characters and how everything fits together.
Like most series the introduction of so many characters can mean that the characters you love the most don’t appear as much in the later books as you’d like and I found myself wanting more Cain and Emma - so I’m interested as to whether this will still be the same once I’ve read more.
I can only say I would imagine that if you’ve read the rest of this series, you’ll again enjoy this one, but as someone coming fresh to the series, I’d encourage you to give it a go (perhaps with the first book unlike me).
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
I have been waiting impatiently for the next book in the Cain Casey series to finally be published, and I’m over the moon that it’s finally here.
The Devil Incarnate by Ali Vali is the seventh book in this series (eight books counting the prequel). The story begins about three months after the last novel, and continues the tale of our favorite mobster, her family and friends, and of course the people who would love to see her put away…or dead. Poor Cain not only has the usual drug cartels either trying to get her to join them or kill her, she now has the Russian mob out for her and her family’s blood. Of course we can’t forget Shelby, Annabelle, and the other FBI agents who are always lurking in the shadows looking for any reason to arrest Cain. It is a good thing Cain has a brilliant and imaginative mind. She is going to need it to stay on top with all these folks who are after her.
This novel is a wonderful addition to the series. We get to see all of our favorite main and secondary characters with a few new ones to keep Cain and her friends on their toes. I really liked Cain in this tale. We get to see a bit more of what she is thinking and feeling in this story. She is still the same mobster we’ve come to love in the earlier books, but we get a bit more insight into her character in this novel. The main setting of New Orleans is perfect for this tale, and the plot will keep you riveted through the book. And yes, the industrial meat grinder makes an appearance in the story.
If you have enjoyed the former novels in this series, you are going to love this one too. Just like all the other books, though, there’ll be a few threads left hanging at the end of the story, so I know this will not be the last book in the series, thank goodness. I’m not ready to let Cain Casey go yet.
This is not a standalone novel. You could read and enjoy it, but you would be missing so much history reading only this story. You should begin with either the prequel or the first book of the series, and read them all in order. That is what I did, starting with the prequel. I’ve loved every one of these novels, and I’m sure you will too.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
The Devil Incarnate by Ali Vali is the seventh book in this series (eight books counting the prequel). The story begins about three months after the last novel, and continues the tale of our favorite mobster, her family and friends, and of course the people who would love to see her put away…or dead. Poor Cain not only has the usual drug cartels either trying to get her to join them or kill her, she now has the Russian mob out for her and her family’s blood. Of course we can’t forget Shelby, Annabelle, and the other FBI agents who are always lurking in the shadows looking for any reason to arrest Cain. It is a good thing Cain has a brilliant and imaginative mind. She is going to need it to stay on top with all these folks who are after her.
This novel is a wonderful addition to the series. We get to see all of our favorite main and secondary characters with a few new ones to keep Cain and her friends on their toes. I really liked Cain in this tale. We get to see a bit more of what she is thinking and feeling in this story. She is still the same mobster we’ve come to love in the earlier books, but we get a bit more insight into her character in this novel. The main setting of New Orleans is perfect for this tale, and the plot will keep you riveted through the book. And yes, the industrial meat grinder makes an appearance in the story.
If you have enjoyed the former novels in this series, you are going to love this one too. Just like all the other books, though, there’ll be a few threads left hanging at the end of the story, so I know this will not be the last book in the series, thank goodness. I’m not ready to let Cain Casey go yet.
This is not a standalone novel. You could read and enjoy it, but you would be missing so much history reading only this story. You should begin with either the prequel or the first book of the series, and read them all in order. That is what I did, starting with the prequel. I’ve loved every one of these novels, and I’m sure you will too.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 23, 2021
This is the most sophisticated mob story ever written. The hide and seek, action, clues, ideas are running so smooth that you cannot figure out where the story is going but I know one thing. Cain and family are the target.
The way actions are explained makes this book very fun to read. Now time to wait for another.
The way actions are explained makes this book very fun to read. Now time to wait for another.
April 3, 2021
4.5 star ratings
I needed to read a story that will get me back on an exciting plane and this is helping me almost there.
Great plot, characters and writing. I think i can find solace knowing that if i ever needed to be assured that a novel or as in this case a series will be worth the investment to read, The Casey Clan by Ali Vali will not disappoint
I needed to read a story that will get me back on an exciting plane and this is helping me almost there.
Great plot, characters and writing. I think i can find solace knowing that if i ever needed to be assured that a novel or as in this case a series will be worth the investment to read, The Casey Clan by Ali Vali will not disappoint
May 6, 2021
There are still too many unknowns in Cain Casey's world but man, this was bloody great! As I've mentioned before, I love how the Casey family keeps extending and I can't wait to read more about Cain and Co.
I'm curious though, we didn't get Shelby's insight into how she felt seeing Anthony Curtis' severed head. He is, after all, the one who planned to have her folks killed.
I'm curious though, we didn't get Shelby's insight into how she felt seeing Anthony Curtis' severed head. He is, after all, the one who planned to have her folks killed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
3.5⭐️ Another book in the Cain Casey saga. More bad guys brought to justice
April 30, 2021
This is a satisfying addition to the "Devil" series. It's like stopping by to visit old friends, albeit ones who occupy the grey area of lawlessness and loyalty. I am both amazed and pleased that this series has gone on this long. It gives me the opportunity to revisit these characters I've come to see as neighbors, almost.
I was glad to see some open-ended plot lines from other books wrapped up. But as always, the book is well-crafted, tightly written and gripping all the way through. Ali Vali is one of my favorite writers, and being able to read another Cain Casey installment is comfort-reading at its best!
I was glad to see some open-ended plot lines from other books wrapped up. But as always, the book is well-crafted, tightly written and gripping all the way through. Ali Vali is one of my favorite writers, and being able to read another Cain Casey installment is comfort-reading at its best!
May 28, 2021
Last book for now in this marvellous series. Not the best one, but still very good! Look forward to the next part. Recommend all the books in this exciting and romantic series.
February 23, 2021
The best I read for the year. Can’t wait for book 8
February 15, 2021
Ali Vali has once again written another page turner. Book #7 in the Cain Casey saga ties up some lose ends from previous novels in this series. It also reveals more dangerous tangles to hopefully be dealt with in the next book.
Ms Vali fills her stories with tons of action, double crosses and violent deaths which are the foundational building blocks for all good mob tales.
I can imagine that the mental fatigue Cain feels in juggling all the unknowns in her life and business is what Ms Vali must feel after completing each chapter.
Her organizational skills are in full force with the multiple character continuity throughout the whole series.
This is an engaging series where the characters are difficult to forget. You do end up rooting for a bad gal but for all the right reasons.
4.5 ⭐️
Ms Vali fills her stories with tons of action, double crosses and violent deaths which are the foundational building blocks for all good mob tales.
I can imagine that the mental fatigue Cain feels in juggling all the unknowns in her life and business is what Ms Vali must feel after completing each chapter.
Her organizational skills are in full force with the multiple character continuity throughout the whole series.
This is an engaging series where the characters are difficult to forget. You do end up rooting for a bad gal but for all the right reasons.
4.5 ⭐️
March 5, 2021
Meat grinder? As the series continues, I am enjoying the development of various characters. Specifically, Abigail, Finley, Kristen, Muriel, Remi, Dallas, and it is difficult not to like Emma's father, Ross. Cain and Emma are the anchor couple that holds it all together. This read takes place three months after the previous book. There continues to be Shelby and Annabelle of the FBI looking to take her down. And, now new adversaries as well as folks that were just mentioned in the previous books are after Cain and her family. Cain's ability to work with others (especially Remi) as she devises plans to deal with folks after her and her family is part of her likeability. Although a mobster, it is her "ethics" of not going after innocents and her creative way of handling challenges that makes her appealing (meat grinder). There are a few loose ends so it looks like there is another in this captivating series. Ohhhhh, yes!!
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
January 10, 2021
OMG! It was great to read more about Cain Emma their children who are becoming their own persons and the gang as she continues to protect her family from outside sources who continue to test her.
I tend to spoil so just going say it was great especially seeing the supporting characters Dallas Muriel Remi and others. I love this author can’t wait for the next book in this series and I hope we get another story with Sept and Keegan.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I tend to spoil so just going say it was great especially seeing the supporting characters Dallas Muriel Remi and others. I love this author can’t wait for the next book in this series and I hope we get another story with Sept and Keegan.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
January 29, 2021
Stop! You cannot read this book without reading the other six books in this series first. It’s an absolute must, not only because of the storyline, but also because these books are good.
Cain is a mobster who does anything for her family, those by blood and by choice. This book picks up where the previous one left off. It picks up a few newish side storylines and some branches of the main storyline. Since it is part of a series I won’t go into detail on the storyline. I appreciate that the side storylines are mostly wrapped up, but I also expected for a major part of the main storyline to wrap up. I was a bit disappointed it didn’t.
It’s good to catch up with all the couples and the Emma and Cain’s breed. Ali Vali does a good job of showing growth in the children but also in the couples, even if they only have a minor part in this book. As mentioned I would have liked some parts of the story to have found closure by the end of this book, but I am also weirdly ok with it being left unresolved (for now). Just maybe one or two side storylines less would also work better for me.
I do think maybe the author should leave Cain uninjured in a book. She gets injured so much it is becoming a tad unbelievable. I do like Emma’s part in this book, she is growing more into her role.
Overal I did enjoy this book. It took me a little while to get back into this story, but it is worth it.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Cain is a mobster who does anything for her family, those by blood and by choice. This book picks up where the previous one left off. It picks up a few newish side storylines and some branches of the main storyline. Since it is part of a series I won’t go into detail on the storyline. I appreciate that the side storylines are mostly wrapped up, but I also expected for a major part of the main storyline to wrap up. I was a bit disappointed it didn’t.
It’s good to catch up with all the couples and the Emma and Cain’s breed. Ali Vali does a good job of showing growth in the children but also in the couples, even if they only have a minor part in this book. As mentioned I would have liked some parts of the story to have found closure by the end of this book, but I am also weirdly ok with it being left unresolved (for now). Just maybe one or two side storylines less would also work better for me.
I do think maybe the author should leave Cain uninjured in a book. She gets injured so much it is becoming a tad unbelievable. I do like Emma’s part in this book, she is growing more into her role.
Overal I did enjoy this book. It took me a little while to get back into this story, but it is worth it.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
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February 18, 2021Might have helped if id read the other 6 books first! But I didn't. The book is full of violence, so if you're into your thriller /action books this one is for you., plenty of criminal activity. I was gripped and found this book a page-turner. There's real chemistry between the 2 main characters Emma and Cain, it bounces off the walls. There's plenty of other characters in the story too that I believe to be in the previous books.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the first 6 books... which I do advise, as the book might have made a lot more sense.
I give this book a 3.6.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading the first 6 books... which I do advise, as the book might have made a lot more sense.
I give this book a 3.6.
March 6, 2021
I've read most of the books in this series and I've enjoyed them. This one was okay, but it didn't have the same feel to me as the others. Cain was her usual intriguing self and Emma, well, I'm still not sure about her.
The story is a fun read despite the few issues I have with it. Action and romance. I like both in the same story, and I got them here.
If you've read the series, this one is a must. If you haven't, read the first 6 books first, or you'll be even more lost than I was at the start.
I was intrigued by the new additions enough to pick up that shorter story to give me the background on them.
The story is a fun read despite the few issues I have with it. Action and romance. I like both in the same story, and I got them here.
If you've read the series, this one is a must. If you haven't, read the first 6 books first, or you'll be even more lost than I was at the start.
I was intrigued by the new additions enough to pick up that shorter story to give me the background on them.
August 12, 2022
At least I know there's a book 8
This author is driving me to distraction. I love this series and with every new book, I reread it in totality. Why? Because you just have too.
You can't read these individually because the story is a whole of all the books. Yes, some storylines are completed but others are not. So it's a continuous cycle. Now I find myself waiting eagerly for book 8, and I'm hoping, with fingers crossed that I don't have to wait very long.
The whole series is gripping from the beginning.
All the main characters have roles which contribute to the story. And Vali lets you get to know them. She shares their passion, their loves and their fears. But most of all you become family. You are with them through their successes and failures. But most of all you witness their compassion. Well except for the bad guys.
I recommend you grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up and let the journey begin.
Enjoy!
This author is driving me to distraction. I love this series and with every new book, I reread it in totality. Why? Because you just have too.
You can't read these individually because the story is a whole of all the books. Yes, some storylines are completed but others are not. So it's a continuous cycle. Now I find myself waiting eagerly for book 8, and I'm hoping, with fingers crossed that I don't have to wait very long.
The whole series is gripping from the beginning.
All the main characters have roles which contribute to the story. And Vali lets you get to know them. She shares their passion, their loves and their fears. But most of all you become family. You are with them through their successes and failures. But most of all you witness their compassion. Well except for the bad guys.
I recommend you grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up and let the journey begin.
Enjoy!
February 6, 2021
4.25 - 4.5
I can't believe that this is the 7th book in the Cain Casey series and I'm still hooked. The Devil Incarnate reinforces what a great series this is.
Picking up shortly after the last book - Ms Vali is off and running at a breakneck pace. There's a phenomenal number of plots, dealings, double-dealings and other shenanigans going on plus advancing the personal stories of a number of the characters from the series. Normally I'd be complaining that there was too much going on and things were either being glossed over or dropped, but Ms Vali has outdone herself. The book keeps all the threads moving and weaving in and out of the story - it's a well crafted and well executed thriller that grabs you from the start and is liable to keep you up to the wee hours of the morning so you can finish it.
I was particularly happy to see that Ms Vali is starting to close off some of the dangling storylines and characters - after six books, there were a lot of loose ends and they were starting to detract from the other story as new obstacles and big-bads were introduced. The Devil Incarnate gives some satisfying wind ups of some of those over-arching plots and characters and puts the focus on the newer threats and obstacles. I suspect that there will be some new and unexpected twists in the next book - I'm dying to know what happens next.
From a character perspective - there's the usual suspects as secondary characters but Cain and Emma are the mains. Even after 7 books, I still adore them - and it's nice to see that their relationship continues to grow and strengthen. The whole series is their love story - with a lot of dead bodies thrown in for good measure. What was particularly nice to see is that Remi, Dallas, Muriel, Kristen, Fin, Abigail and all the others remain in and around Cain and Emma's orbit - but they don't get dropped into the story as extraneous cameos or drive-by characters. They are integral parts of the ongoing plots and have a place in the book. I was also really happy to see that Ms Vali chose not to split the book to have two sets of main characters - Cain and Emma remained the focal point.
If you haven't read the other books in the series - this is not the one to start with. Go back and enjoy the first books. In The Devil Incarnate, Ms Vali drops you in the middle of everything and the characters and events of the previous six books really can't be summed up. This a a bit of a darker series, with the main character being a mobster, but a mobster with a ridiculous amount of charm and charisma that balances out a pretty brutal streak when she's pushed. Overall, the series juggles the sweeping romance between Cain and Emma - as well as the side stories of the other women in their extended family - with some gritty crime drama, suspense and action.
I can't believe that this is the 7th book in the Cain Casey series and I'm still hooked. The Devil Incarnate reinforces what a great series this is.
Picking up shortly after the last book - Ms Vali is off and running at a breakneck pace. There's a phenomenal number of plots, dealings, double-dealings and other shenanigans going on plus advancing the personal stories of a number of the characters from the series. Normally I'd be complaining that there was too much going on and things were either being glossed over or dropped, but Ms Vali has outdone herself. The book keeps all the threads moving and weaving in and out of the story - it's a well crafted and well executed thriller that grabs you from the start and is liable to keep you up to the wee hours of the morning so you can finish it.
I was particularly happy to see that Ms Vali is starting to close off some of the dangling storylines and characters - after six books, there were a lot of loose ends and they were starting to detract from the other story as new obstacles and big-bads were introduced. The Devil Incarnate gives some satisfying wind ups of some of those over-arching plots and characters and puts the focus on the newer threats and obstacles. I suspect that there will be some new and unexpected twists in the next book - I'm dying to know what happens next.
From a character perspective - there's the usual suspects as secondary characters but Cain and Emma are the mains. Even after 7 books, I still adore them - and it's nice to see that their relationship continues to grow and strengthen. The whole series is their love story - with a lot of dead bodies thrown in for good measure. What was particularly nice to see is that Remi, Dallas, Muriel, Kristen, Fin, Abigail and all the others remain in and around Cain and Emma's orbit - but they don't get dropped into the story as extraneous cameos or drive-by characters. They are integral parts of the ongoing plots and have a place in the book. I was also really happy to see that Ms Vali chose not to split the book to have two sets of main characters - Cain and Emma remained the focal point.
If you haven't read the other books in the series - this is not the one to start with. Go back and enjoy the first books. In The Devil Incarnate, Ms Vali drops you in the middle of everything and the characters and events of the previous six books really can't be summed up. This a a bit of a darker series, with the main character being a mobster, but a mobster with a ridiculous amount of charm and charisma that balances out a pretty brutal streak when she's pushed. Overall, the series juggles the sweeping romance between Cain and Emma - as well as the side stories of the other women in their extended family - with some gritty crime drama, suspense and action.
February 25, 2021
I’m in love with this series! I love the brilliance of Cain Casey and the strength she and the woman around her posses. I really enjoyed getting to spend sometime with all my favorite characters again. I could have used a little more Merrick and Katlin time, but it didn’t make me love this book any less. I’m so happy that Anthony Curtis finally got his for his help in Emma’s abduction and the trouble he and his father were trying to stir. I can’t wait for the next book to find out for sure who is behind Lucy and her parents entrance and to see what will happen next with the Russians.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2021
I guessed I lost the momentum while reading the series, i likes the first few books in the series better.
July 8, 2021
Another great book in the Cain Casey series. I went back and reread the whole series before reading this one, and had a bit of a book hangover once I was done. That's how good these books are. I can't wait for the next one!
January 21, 2021
This book was given to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cain Casey has got to be the luckiest woman alive. There are seven Cain Casey novels and I think she is seriously injured in at least five. Maybe all seven. She has been shot more times and survived than anyone I know. (More on that later). so for now lets delve into this book and what may be the penultimate Cain Casey novel as far as I can tell there seems to be only one story line to wrap up.
The book starts off with a bang literally because it starts with a sex scene, its fine and stuff but not the way I would like to begin a book. Vali is excellent at picking up a story right where she left it in the previous book. She also did a great job in this book of refreshing our memories to certain characters. If you have not read Hell Fire her short story you need to because this entire book is based on what happened in that short story. The problem here is that VAli has way too many characters in a book so as the reader it is very hard to jeep track of who is who and what side they are on. There could be less characters and the story wouldn't feel so jumbled and rushed. This book is all about Cain trying to find the rogue FBI agent, as well as trying to solve the mystery of who is burning the fields of drugs from some of the people she knows. Cain makes it very clear she wants nothing to do with the drug business but she spends the entire book trying to save Hector's drug business. It is baffling that she helps the drug dealers but then also has a sidebar about how she won't get Pinot drugs because they are bad.
The secondary story deals with another one of Cains cousins Finely and her girls friends who is running from her ex girls friend the head of a Russian sex trafficking ring. I cannot believe that is a sentence I just typed but it is and we are all going to have to get used to it. So the drug trafficking ex girlfriend she spends the entire book trying to get her kids back and gill her ex so that she can raise the kids to be sex traffickers.
The books was interesting and I love the way Vali writes well, she can weave a good tale and she knows how to tell a story so there is no way that the reader can guess what is going on until the very last minute. The problem is that she writes Cain Casey as this all knowing I am better than you super cocky character and after seven books its starting to wear thin a little.
Finally I will say that in terms of women loving women books this one is the mot heteronormative book I have ever ready. IN may life the entirety of it I have never nor have any of my lesbians friends carried their girlfriends or wives around because they couldn't walk in heels on grass. Like who does that. I hate the way that Emma is write she seems so infantile, and Vali does this for all of the spouses. One wife is very masculine presenting and acting while the other one os the picture of stereotypical femininity. She also tends to make the wives all Blond, maybe she has thing for blonds or all her female characters are somehow representations of her current spouse, but it is not something I care to read. Both partners should be strong and capable and I think she writes Emma to seem like a baby.
I would recommend this book there was some good actions and Vali gets shot by a sniper who instead of going into the house and killing the people she wanted to kill she instead confronts Cain and ends up dead. It seems impossible that Cain would survive this long, and I do not believe that she is smarter than the FBI and every other criminal,. Maybe in the last boom she and Emma will both die, or maybe Emma will get a personality. Who knows. This was fine, but not what I was expecting. For as long as it took to write this book I expected it to be a lot better.
Cain Casey has got to be the luckiest woman alive. There are seven Cain Casey novels and I think she is seriously injured in at least five. Maybe all seven. She has been shot more times and survived than anyone I know. (More on that later). so for now lets delve into this book and what may be the penultimate Cain Casey novel as far as I can tell there seems to be only one story line to wrap up.
The book starts off with a bang literally because it starts with a sex scene, its fine and stuff but not the way I would like to begin a book. Vali is excellent at picking up a story right where she left it in the previous book. She also did a great job in this book of refreshing our memories to certain characters. If you have not read Hell Fire her short story you need to because this entire book is based on what happened in that short story. The problem here is that VAli has way too many characters in a book so as the reader it is very hard to jeep track of who is who and what side they are on. There could be less characters and the story wouldn't feel so jumbled and rushed. This book is all about Cain trying to find the rogue FBI agent, as well as trying to solve the mystery of who is burning the fields of drugs from some of the people she knows. Cain makes it very clear she wants nothing to do with the drug business but she spends the entire book trying to save Hector's drug business. It is baffling that she helps the drug dealers but then also has a sidebar about how she won't get Pinot drugs because they are bad.
The secondary story deals with another one of Cains cousins Finely and her girls friends who is running from her ex girls friend the head of a Russian sex trafficking ring. I cannot believe that is a sentence I just typed but it is and we are all going to have to get used to it. So the drug trafficking ex girlfriend she spends the entire book trying to get her kids back and gill her ex so that she can raise the kids to be sex traffickers.
The books was interesting and I love the way Vali writes well, she can weave a good tale and she knows how to tell a story so there is no way that the reader can guess what is going on until the very last minute. The problem is that she writes Cain Casey as this all knowing I am better than you super cocky character and after seven books its starting to wear thin a little.
Finally I will say that in terms of women loving women books this one is the mot heteronormative book I have ever ready. IN may life the entirety of it I have never nor have any of my lesbians friends carried their girlfriends or wives around because they couldn't walk in heels on grass. Like who does that. I hate the way that Emma is write she seems so infantile, and Vali does this for all of the spouses. One wife is very masculine presenting and acting while the other one os the picture of stereotypical femininity. She also tends to make the wives all Blond, maybe she has thing for blonds or all her female characters are somehow representations of her current spouse, but it is not something I care to read. Both partners should be strong and capable and I think she writes Emma to seem like a baby.
I would recommend this book there was some good actions and Vali gets shot by a sniper who instead of going into the house and killing the people she wanted to kill she instead confronts Cain and ends up dead. It seems impossible that Cain would survive this long, and I do not believe that she is smarter than the FBI and every other criminal,. Maybe in the last boom she and Emma will both die, or maybe Emma will get a personality. Who knows. This was fine, but not what I was expecting. For as long as it took to write this book I expected it to be a lot better.
February 2, 2021
I’ve waited a long time for this book to come. Thankfully now it’s here and I can indulge myself with Cain and Emma again.
A quick note before reading The Devil Incarnate - you need to read the previous books in order to have a grasp on what’s been going on with this one.
The story continues with our favorite mobster and her wife, together with all their friends and families. Aside from Cain and Emma, we get to read more about Remi & Dallas, Muriel & Kristen, and Finley & Abigail. As always, a great storyline, good context, amazing MCs and sub characters, a lot of action, and hot sex! I always admire how Ali Vali write her plots. And she can even make you fall in love with mobsters and root for them to succeed.
It was a really good read and will gladly recommend it to others. Since Nicola’s not dealt yet, I will be patiently waiting for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A quick note before reading The Devil Incarnate - you need to read the previous books in order to have a grasp on what’s been going on with this one.
The story continues with our favorite mobster and her wife, together with all their friends and families. Aside from Cain and Emma, we get to read more about Remi & Dallas, Muriel & Kristen, and Finley & Abigail. As always, a great storyline, good context, amazing MCs and sub characters, a lot of action, and hot sex! I always admire how Ali Vali write her plots. And she can even make you fall in love with mobsters and root for them to succeed.
It was a really good read and will gladly recommend it to others. Since Nicola’s not dealt yet, I will be patiently waiting for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2021
This is the seventh book in the Cain Casey Series. As with the other books in the series, it is another thriller/romance. Although if I had to select only one descriptor, I would say this particular book is more of a thriller.
The story begins three months after the last book where we find our favorite mobster trying to outsmart and eliminate all of her enemies. Of course, Cain Casey is finding that if she gets rid of one, then up pops another.
Cain Casey believes family is everything. Her wife, Emma, and their three children are why she is trying so hard to create a safe environment for them. Extended family is also especially important to her. I love how they all come together to create a solid perimeter where they can live safely.
In this book, Cain Casey’s cousin Finley and her girlfriend Abigal, come into the fold and need help. Their story actually begins in another book, Hell Fire by Vali, and continues to unweave. Family is so important to Cain that Finley had once worked for the FBI and now is included in the “family business”. In addition to Finley/Abigal’s problems, Cain is having to outsmart the FBI and the Russian drug cartel. Just an ordinary life story, right?
Ms. Vali writes a wonderful story that is fast paced, interesting, and at times humorous. Her characters are so well developed that you feel like you know them. When Cain Casey is trying to solve a particular problem, you actually feel as though you are inside of her head.
My only suggestion is that you really should read Hell Fire prior to reading this book. It will help with understanding the background of Finley and Abigal. Reading The Devil Incarnate first would cause unnecessary confusion.
I highly recommend this book. Actually, I suggest any of Ms. Vali’s books. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story begins three months after the last book where we find our favorite mobster trying to outsmart and eliminate all of her enemies. Of course, Cain Casey is finding that if she gets rid of one, then up pops another.
Cain Casey believes family is everything. Her wife, Emma, and their three children are why she is trying so hard to create a safe environment for them. Extended family is also especially important to her. I love how they all come together to create a solid perimeter where they can live safely.
In this book, Cain Casey’s cousin Finley and her girlfriend Abigal, come into the fold and need help. Their story actually begins in another book, Hell Fire by Vali, and continues to unweave. Family is so important to Cain that Finley had once worked for the FBI and now is included in the “family business”. In addition to Finley/Abigal’s problems, Cain is having to outsmart the FBI and the Russian drug cartel. Just an ordinary life story, right?
Ms. Vali writes a wonderful story that is fast paced, interesting, and at times humorous. Her characters are so well developed that you feel like you know them. When Cain Casey is trying to solve a particular problem, you actually feel as though you are inside of her head.
My only suggestion is that you really should read Hell Fire prior to reading this book. It will help with understanding the background of Finley and Abigal. Reading The Devil Incarnate first would cause unnecessary confusion.
I highly recommend this book. Actually, I suggest any of Ms. Vali’s books. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 21, 2021
Returning into the world of Cain Casey is like meeting up with old (slightly dangerous) friends. This book follows up on old enemies, allies and friends and Caine must navigate all the dangers and opportunities to get out on top once again.
I think most readers will at the very least have heard of Ali Vali's Cain Casey series. For readers who have read the previous books in this series: don't hesitate to pick this one up as it's another good read which follows up where the previous book left off.
If you haven't read the other books though I would not recommend starting with this one as a large part of the fun is catching up with everyone and if you are not familiar with the books you will mostly scratch your head at all the names and trying to figure how everyone is connected. You will probably stop halfway through and that means you're missing out on one of the best mob series with a lesbian main character out there.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley ***
I think most readers will at the very least have heard of Ali Vali's Cain Casey series. For readers who have read the previous books in this series: don't hesitate to pick this one up as it's another good read which follows up where the previous book left off.
If you haven't read the other books though I would not recommend starting with this one as a large part of the fun is catching up with everyone and if you are not familiar with the books you will mostly scratch your head at all the names and trying to figure how everyone is connected. You will probably stop halfway through and that means you're missing out on one of the best mob series with a lesbian main character out there.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley ***
April 30, 2022
Another compelling Cain Casey and ensemble story
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, butch characters, unusual jobs; UNICORN: Moor than 2 POVs, twins (possibly other categories)
Book seven was as enjoyable as the last six, and since another character was added, it won't be the final one. There was a wedding, a longtime enemy finally got their due, and there were a few of the usual entertaining escapades to evade Cain's FBI detail. Looking forward to book eight.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, butch characters, unusual jobs; UNICORN: Moor than 2 POVs, twins (possibly other categories)
Book seven was as enjoyable as the last six, and since another character was added, it won't be the final one. There was a wedding, a longtime enemy finally got their due, and there were a few of the usual entertaining escapades to evade Cain's FBI detail. Looking forward to book eight.
March 15, 2022
Another great installment in the Cain Casey saga. Hope there is more to come. Thank you Ali Vali.
January 20, 2021
Love this series. Love Cain, Emma, their kids and their extended family. Someone tries to use Hannah’s friend to spy on the family. Meanwhile someone hits one of Cain’s businesses while they are on vacation. Drug lords are fighting to increase their territory. It’s never boring in the Casey family. There has to be a next book in this series because too many loose ends are left in the end.
March 13, 2021
I think the Cain Casey series will always be one of my favorites and this book does a fantastic job of keeping the legacy alive. As the family continues to grow and strengthen, so do the issues and threats knocking on their door. Every time one concern is taken care of, several more pop up on the peripheral. This constantly evolving storyline makes for a great book to add to an an even better series.
Vali effortlessly reminds you of the past to keep your memory fresh, however it still becomes cumbersome at times trying to keep track of all the moving parts from one book to the next. I also wish there were more effort to spread the story wealth to some of the other family members. I love Cain and Emma as much as the next, but there relationship has become a bit routine at this point. I want to see some of the cousins come into their own.
At the end of the day, these books will always be a go to for me. The interwoven story lines always leave me wanting more. This book is just another layer to add the the cake.
Vali effortlessly reminds you of the past to keep your memory fresh, however it still becomes cumbersome at times trying to keep track of all the moving parts from one book to the next. I also wish there were more effort to spread the story wealth to some of the other family members. I love Cain and Emma as much as the next, but there relationship has become a bit routine at this point. I want to see some of the cousins come into their own.
At the end of the day, these books will always be a go to for me. The interwoven story lines always leave me wanting more. This book is just another layer to add the the cake.
July 24, 2024
I thought there was more of a focus in the earlier books, it is probably just me but there seemed to be too much happening and far too many characters in this book. As the story developed there seemed to be a lot going on, but it mainly resulted in endless discussions, often with characters I have no interest in.
One of the things that made these books a bit different was watching Cain plan and outwit her adversaries, but the only time you really see her during the first half of the book is having sex with Emma.
There is more actually going on in the second half of the book, but it was messy and it could have been about any vicious ‘mobster’, but not Cain Casey, there was just no finesse.
Overall I was a bit disappointed with this book, perhaps I am just yearning after the earlier books.
One of the things that made these books a bit different was watching Cain plan and outwit her adversaries, but the only time you really see her during the first half of the book is having sex with Emma.
There is more actually going on in the second half of the book, but it was messy and it could have been about any vicious ‘mobster’, but not Cain Casey, there was just no finesse.
Overall I was a bit disappointed with this book, perhaps I am just yearning after the earlier books.
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